26 Civilians Gunned Down in Cold Blood in Pahalgam
In one of the deadliest terror strikes against civilians in India in over a decade, 26 people, including 25 tourists and one local resident, were killed in Jammu and Kashmir’s scenic town of Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The attack took place at a popular meadow, turning a serene holiday destination into a bloodbath.
Eyewitness accounts and police reports reveal that the terrorists opened fire on three tourist vehicles traveling along a remote stretch near Aru Valley. While some victims died on the spot, others succumbed to injuries en route to hospitals in Srinagar and Anantnag.
“Deliberate Targeting of Innocents,” Say Officials
Initial investigations indicate that the attack was meticulously planned to target civilians, especially tourists. This calculated brutality has drawn comparisons to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, both in scale and intent.
“This is not a random act of violence—it is a premeditated strike on India’s unity and peace,” said a senior J&K police official.
Over a dozen injured victims remain hospitalized, many in critical condition. Rescue teams and locals struggled to manage the aftermath, with images of survivors in shock going viral on social media.
PM Modi Returns to Lead Crisis Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia and is expected to return to New Delhi early Wednesday. He had just arrived in Jeddah on a two-day trip meant to boost bilateral ties.
“The entire nation is anguished. This heinous attack will receive a befitting response,” Modi stated before boarding his flight home.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has been convened to assess the situation and coordinate a counter-response.
Amit Shah Visits Attack Site, Orders High-Level Probe
Union Home Minister Amit Shah landed in Srinagar early Wednesday and headed directly to the site of the terror attack in Pahalgam. He met with senior officials, visited injured victims, and assured local authorities of full central support.
“We will hunt down the perpetrators and hold those accountable for this security failure,” Shah declared.
A high-level multi-agency investigation has been launched to identify security lapses and intelligence failures.
Suspected Involvement of Pakistan-Backed Groups
Security agencies suspect the role of Pakistan-based terror outfits, particularly The Resistance Front (TRF) and Lashkar-e-Taiba, in orchestrating the attack. While no group has yet claimed responsibility, intercepted communications and prior threats have led investigators in that direction.
The Indian Army and paramilitary forces have launched massive search operations in the surrounding forested areas of Pahalgam.
Tourism Sector Devastated
Pahalgam, often dubbed the “Valley of Shepherds,” is a major hub for tourism in Kashmir. This attack has led to hundreds of cancellations across hotels and tour operators, and local businesses are reeling from shock.
“It was peak season. Now, everything has changed overnight,” said a hotelier from Anantnag.
Several states have issued travel advisories, and security forces are now tasked with ensuring the safe return of all tourists in the Valley.
India Unites in Grief and Defiance
From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India is in mourning. Vigils were held in several cities, and citizens took to social media to express condolences and demand strong action.
Leaders across political lines have condemned the attack. President Droupadi Murmu expressed “deep sorrow,” and opposition leaders offered bipartisan support to the government in combating terrorism.
A Wake-Up Call for National Security
The Pahalgam massacre serves as a chilling reminder of the fragility of peace in Jammu and Kashmir and the ever-evolving threats India faces. As the government readies a multi-pronged response, the top priority remains ensuring justice for the victims and preventing future atrocities.
This is not just a terror attack—it is a challenge to India’s unity and resilience, and the nation stands firm in its resolve.